Biology
The Role of Play Behavior in Cognitive Development of Juvenile Primates
Quick fact
In many primate species, juveniles engage in play for up to four hours a day—and this play predicts their later ability to solve novel puzzles and navigate complex social hierarchies, meaning the fun you see is actually a brain-building workout.
Why this is interesting
Why do young monkeys spend almost a quarter of their day wrestling, chasing, and tumbling? There's far more going on than simple fun.